Towering mountain ranges surround the South Park basin with some peaks reaching over 14,000 feet. At the height of these mountains, three headwaters begin their journey: the South Platte River, North Middle and South Forks. Millions of years ago, a large inland sea covered the South Park. Eventually, the lake drained away leaving behind deposits of gold, silver, and other minerals including salt. Summer hunting grounds for Native American Indians soon became overrun by thousands of eager prospectors and families ready to make a life in the high country. The mountains sometimes grudgingly yielded up their treasures of gold and silver, yet many gave up and found their livelihoods in ranching.